On this blog I will interview authors and sometimes read their book. Most of the books are Christian and/or Romance. That's because I write those genres. I m always open to new genres and such, so if you have an author you think would like to be interview, email me! Or comment on a post with their name and/or link. Thanks and God bless!

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

* I judge the book by grammer, spelling, plot, and, well, everything that matters! I do not always agree with all religious standings, or Bible doctrines. Please keep that in mind.*

Hello, today I am interviewing author Precarious Yates, Self-Published author of The Elite of the Weak.

I have read it, and I found it to be well crafted and very interesting. I have always enjoyed spy books, and anything with action. Precarious mixed action with just the right amount of romance. I was captured in the first chapter. And that says a lot. I will not read the book if you don't reach me by the first page. Precarious did a good job reaching out to all of her readers. She did a good job spreading the message she wanted to spread, without making it overbearing. I rate this book 4.1 out of 5 possible stars. I highly recommend this read. Especially if you enjoy a good book, with deep meanings and bits of drama. Now, to our interview.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?When I was 20, God snatched me out of great darkness and willful sin into His glorious light and forgiveness. After that radical day, I spent several years training for missions work (MorningStar School of Ministry and YWAM, among other places). My husband and I lived as missionaries in Ireland for four years, and the church we planted is still vibrant and growing! Although I’ve lived in a number of different states, we recently settled in Texas, where I’m homeschooling my daughter and will be raising chickens and a cow. For work, I’ve done everything from roofing to managing rock bands to teaching creative writing, but I specialize in making coffee and tea. At the moment, I’m thoroughly enjoying home school with my daughter and writing until the wee hours of the morning.

When did you start writing?I guess I’ll start off by letting you in on a little secret ;). I wrote my first book, Timmy the Flying Turtle, when I was 6 years old while my entire second grade class had a MAJOR time out. We were all supposed to have our heads down on the desks and hands still. My teacher must have overlooked the fact that I was writing away instead.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?At the age of 6, I fantasized about sitting at a desk and writing stories all day the way most of my peers fantasized about being firefighters or gold medal Olympians.

What role did your family play in your writing of The Elite of the Weak?Hadassah’s tenacity and fearlessness was inspired by three amazing girls, my daughter, my sister, and my husband’s sister. Also, my brother’s wife co-founded an organization called Love146, which works to raise awareness about human trafficking and to build safe houses around the world.

What was the hardest part of The Elite of the Weak to write?Honestly, I struggled with the romance scenes, since I like to write adventure and action much more than romantic tension.

How did you stay inspired to finish the book?I purchased a book called "Terrify No More", by Gary Haugen, which tells of real life rescues from human trafficking. Also, knowing what happens to kids around the globe motivated me to get the word out, and to inspire more voices to rise up against this horrific enslavement of human beings.

Could you describe your book to us?One reader described The Elite of the Weak as: YA-Christian-Fantasy-Romance-Thriller. In this slightly futuristic spy novel, seventeen year old Hadassah longs to join up with Revelation Special Ops, a group of young adults working to free kids who are sold into human trafficking. But when the whole world descends into chaos, can the R.S.O. members stay focused on their goal? Travel with Hadassah, and the rest of the R.S.O. team through exotic locations and perilous circumstances as they seek to defend and release these kids.

If you could pray for anything, just one thing, and it be granted, what would it be? In short, I pray that you and I will know just how LOVED we are, since everything else will flow from that one revelation. Here’s the longer version:That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.. (I borrowed that from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, 3:16-19, KJV.)

When can we expect your next book to be out?I’m writing! I’m writing! I’m hoping July, if I can have all the edits done in time. I have other books and series in the works as well.

That was my interview with Precarious Yates. Go buy the book! You WILL NOT regret it. The links are below. She also has a website, and that link is there too. God bless you, and have a terrific day! (PS: Congrats on your book, Precarious! I hope to see many more!)

Monday, January 23, 2012

* I judge the book by grammer, spelling, plot, and, well, everything that matters! I do not always agree with all religious standings, or Bible doctrines. Please keep that in mind.*

Today I am here with Sarah Holman, author of The Destiny of One. I have read very good reviews about the book, most of them rate it five stars. I, myself, have not read it. Well, let's skip to the interview now.

How old are you?21

When did you start writing?When I was 11. I wanted write my own version of Robin Hood

When did you know you wanted to be an author?When I finished my first book (I was 14) I new that I never wanted to stop writing. By the time I was 17 I was perusing writing as a possible career. By the time I was 18, I was writing full time.

What is your favorite character from The Destiny of One and why?That is easy. It has to be Maria Morris, my main character. She is my favorite because she is so much like me.

What inspired you to write The Destiny of One?When I was 16 I watched my first science fiction movie, and loved it. However, I was disappointed to find how little Christian Sci-Fi there was. So, as a writer, I decided to write my own.

What was the hardest part in The Destiny of One to write?The ending. Because it is the first book in a trilogy, I wanted to hook my readers for the next book but not make the reader go crazy. That was a hard balance

Who is your favorite author/book?That is a hard question. I am an avid reader and like a wide range of books. My favorite author currently is Linda Chaikin. I like her wide variety of books and characters, her strong values, and her general writing style. My #1 book of 2011 was The Charity's Diary Series by Elisabeth Allen, so I will go with that as my favorite book

If you could pray for one thing, and get it, what would it be?

Another hard question. I think if I could have one wish granted, it would be that I would shine the light of God in all I do and say, all the time.

If you could be any character of any book, who would you be?

Elizabeth Bennett or Maria Morris.

If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would that be?

I would love to have dinner with Jesus. There is so much I would like to know about him.

Thanks for the interview, Sarah. I had a lot of fun. I hope and pray that you have a wonderful writing career! You all can find her on Facebook, and her blog.

Monday, January 9, 2012

* I judge the book by grammer, spelling, plot, and, well, everything that matters! I do not always agree with all religious standings, or Bible doctrines. Please keep that in mind.*

Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers group. She is multi-published through Steeple Hill and has been published in Christian Communicator magazine and Praise Reports: Inspiring Real Life Stories of How God Answers Prayer. One of her short stories, ‘Kickboxing or Chocolate’, appears in a Tyndale compilation book, and she is also multi-published through The Wild Rose Press. Her first YA novel, ADDISON BLAKELY, CONFESSIONS OF A PK releases January 2012 via Barbour Publishers. She has a BA in Christian Communications and regularly freelances for her local newspaper. Betsy is a fireman’s wife, a mommy to a busy toddler, a chocolate-loving author and an avid reader who enjoys sharing the wonders of God’s grace through her stories.

Sixteen-year-old Addison Blakely has tireless played the role of PK—preacher’s kid—her entire life. But after Wes Keegan revs his motorcycle into town and into her heart, Addison begins to wonder how much of her faith is her own and how much has been handed to her. She isn’t so sure she wants to be the good girl anymore. Join Addison Blakely as she attempts to separate love from lust, facts from faith, and keep her head above water in her murky, fishbowl existence.

How old are you?

27

What inspired you to write Addison Blakely--Confessions of a PK?

I wanted to write a story for a niche of readers that I felt had been ignored so far. There's a lot of books out there for strong Christians, for new Christians and for secular, non-Christian readers. But not a lot for girls who grew up in church but aren't really sure they are a Christian. I wanted to address that. Sometimes, when we grow up immersed in a certain belief system, we tend to swim along with it but not ever embrace it for ourselves. That's the depth of Addison's journey.

Did you ever imagine you would get published?I hoped and prayed! But yes I think I believed it for the most part. Not arrogantly, but just in the sense that I was determined to try my hardest for as long as it took. Giving up wasn't an option.

What was the hardest part of AddisonBlakely--Confessions of a PK for you to write?I think that would be the faith journey. I wanted to make Addison's thoughts and feelings about God real but not preachy for the reader. I wanted it to be honest and inviting but not pushy. That's a fine line to ride. So far, I've seen reviews saying I've hit it both ways, so each reader will have a different opinion and that's fine. You can't please everyone - God knows which readers need this story!

What kept you inspired and motivated to finish writing AddisonBlakely--Confessions of a PK?A contract! I sold this story on proposal, so I HAD to finish They'd already paid me. Plus I loved it. I wanted to see what all would happen too...

What is your favorite author/book?I have several fav authors, they are in no order - Susan May Warren, Julie Klassen, Lisa Wingate, Rachel Hauck, Nicholas Sparks, Susan Meissner, and Julie Lessman to name a few!

Do you outline, or just write idea's as they come?I have to write outlines, because I typically sell on proposal and a proposal must include a full synopsis of the story! But I like to be organized that way, anyway.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?It sounds trite but seriously, don't give up! If you quit trying you will never succeed. A fact. Rejections will come, even after you are published. That probably won't change or at least not for a long, long time. Learn from them and move forward. Never take shortcuts - do your best. And listen to those who have gone before.

What is your favorite character of AddisonBlakely--Confessions of a PK and why?Wes. He was so fun to form and develop and get to know. I think of him a little like Jess from Gilmore Girls. Misunderstood, a great heart, but rough edges...

If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would that person be?I always think of the best answers for this question when I'm not being asked it! Lol, Either Jane Austen or Nicholas Sparks, to ask about writing and brainstorming. Hehe...

You can find out more about Betsy St. Amant at her blog and website. The link is below! God bless you all!

Now, I am doing something different. I am having my first character interview! This is where I ask Betsy questions as if I were talking to one of her characters. Here goes!
My interview with Marta, Addison's BFF:

Where do you live?I'm from Stuttgart, Germany, but recently participated in an exchange program here in the US! I've been staying with my host family in Kansas. Talk about culture shock.

Where are you from?Didn't I already say this?

How old are you?I'm 16. But my mom always tells me I have an old soul. Whatever that means.

What do you do for a living?School, though I don't get paid nearly enough for it ::wink::

Do you have any family?I have two sisters and a brother. We all still live at home in Germany with my parents.

What do you like to do in your spare time?Addison has gotten me addicted to her beloved coffee shop, so I tend to drink mochas a lot lately. My jeans have been noticing, for sure. Ha! Past that, I like to go and do and see. Shop, read, eat, people watch. Experience life!

What are your goals?To talk some sense into Addison? haha That was a recent goal, anyway. ::grins:: So far so good. Seriously though, I want to help people and hope to have a job one day where I get paid to do that full time. I just love people and motivating others to do good.

What is your relationship with Addison?We're besties, as she says. BFF's, and all that. hehe. That must be an American term. But truly, she is a dear friend to me and I'm going to miss her so much when I go back to Germany.

Do you try to influence Addison to do the right, or the wrong, or not at all?The right thing. Which isn't always just my opinion but what the Bible says or teaches. She knows that, knows truth. Just needs to hear it from time to time! But don't we all?

What do you think of Wes and his relationship with Addison?::Eye roll:: This is a long story. Let's just say at first I wasn't thrilled, but he sort of grew on me. ::snorts:: Sort of. We'll see.